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Scouting membership continues to grow in the Black Country

THE number of youngsters seeking adventure and joining the scouts has continued to rise, taking the total membership across the Black Country to 6,320.

During the last two years there has been a 3.7 percent surge in membership, with scouts keen to take part in the exhilarating activities on offer, including adventure glider flights, skiing, rock climbing and water zorbing.

Matt Wong, a 17-year-old explorer scout from Halesowen, said: “Getting involved in scouting is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I get the opportunity to take part so many different adventures and I get involved in helping my local community.”

Hamish Pearson from Stourbridge, said being a scout leader was "one of the most fulfilling things" he'd done.

He added: “It’s something I can do on a flexible basis when I have enough time to spare. "It’s great helping young people in my local area get the most out of life and watching them develop week in-week out."

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “I am super proud to see so many young people and adults learning new life skills, achieving personal rewards through scouting in the Black Country.

"The big reasons for this are that more and more young people are realising that scouting can give them so much – whether it’s the opportunity to be involved with some incredible adventures, learn practical life, outdoor and teamwork skills, or helping to improve their local communities. People don't want to miss out and scouting brings them all together, empowers them and allows them to make a positive impact.”